Stay Healthy

The New Year is an exciting time to create goals in any area of life. It’s anopportunity for reflection, gratitude, and the possibility of an even brighter year tocome. While resolutions are not an original concept, completing them appears tobe. A discouraging article from U.S. News stated that 80% of New Year’sresolutions fail by mid-February (face-palm). This tells us that our hearts are inthe right place, but our follow-through seems to be lacking.Setting a goal is just the beginning. In tandem with what you want to happen,there must be a plan of action around how, why, and by when. Here are fourhealthy strategies to keep you out of that 80% and into your best year yet!

1. Baby StepsThe New Year can present a newfound energy that often has us jumping intolarge goals headfirst. We’re pumped, and our motivation tells us this time’s goingto be different. The problem with this approach is it launches one into ‘Black andWhite World.’ You either do it perfectly or you’re a failure – no in-between.Instead, break a goal into small actionable steps that allow you to build themuscle necessary to accomplish it long-term. It’s important to remember that anypositive change we’d like to make isn’t just meant for the year the goal is set. Thehope is to be smoke-free, thirty pounds thinner, fluent in Spanish - long after that.Start small and learn how to handle each day with grace.Abandon the all or nothing mindset. Going cold turkey might make youmiserable, which could anchor the feeling of misery with quitting your vice. Thiswouldn’t necessarily be true if you cut back little by little. And unfortunately whenwe fail at something, it’s that much more discouraging to get back in the ring.Baby. Steps.

2. How Many and By When?Specificity, specificity, specificity. Create goals that state exactly what yourchange should look like. Let’s say you want to give up diet soda…Poor Goal Example: I’d like to be healthier.Specific Goal Example: I’d like to quit diet soda.Then state a timeline, or you could be “wishing” for all of 2018.“By when” Example:

For the first week I will allow myself to have one soda per day.The second week I will have one soda every other day.The 3rd week…The 4 th week…I will be soda-free by (INSERT DATE)Clarity is key.

3. Ditch Some GoalsDoesn’t sound very motivational? Hear me out. Last year I made a resolution torun a marathon - it sounds cool and I wanted one of those metals. Soon aftermaking that goal I ran my first 5K and had a realization: a marathon soundsmiserable. Mad respect to the runners out there, but it isn’t for me.I was at a crossroads… continue torturing myself for something I don’t careabout, or let myself off the hook. After feeling like a failure for a few months, Idecided the goal should be dropped. Sticking with it would have taken space andenergy away from other goals – ones that really mattered to me.Change is difficult and we only have so much willpower, motivation, and time. I’man active person and a marathon wasn’t necessary for my health. I took up KravMaga instead and love it. Let’s make goals count with the things in life thatmatter. Gear up for challenges you believe in and let the rest be a hobby.Speaking of believing in goals…

4. Have a Strong ‘Why’Know why you’re making changes and write them down. Goals won’t beachieved long-term if we don’t have a strong purpose. Most goals we set will, insome way, make us uncomfortable. We’re creatures of habit who love staying inour comfort zone. A strong ‘why’ provides fuel where motivation can’t be found.Use strong visuals, stories, or letters to yourself as reminders of the core reasonyou’re incorporating change. For example: one more cigarette might not seemlike a big deal. But if you see a visual of someone affected by smoking, or read aletter that reminds you that one more cigarette is how you became addicted -you’ll likely feel more motivated to stay strong.

Stay hungry for change and you can’t fail. The biggest shifts are often thehardest but they’re well worth the effort – especially when your health isconcerned. Truly’s Natural Products was built upon a strong ‘why.’ Learn moreabout this family business and why it came to be!

Everything is heightened over the holidays...the elation we feel for our lovedones and quite possibly the frustration of being stuck in the same house withthem. Natural consumers are often shocked to see how many chemicals familymembers use on a day-to- day basis. While your health awareness has grown, it’snot guaranteed that your loved ones have made it a priority.

You’re already getting raised eyebrows at your Stevia packets and coconut oilbut you desperately want to share what you know! If you’re searching for ways toeducate your loved ones on the importance of natural products, here are somegentle suggestions that won’t move you over to the naughty list.

“We Need to Talk”Yeah… Never say that. This isn’t an intervention, no one’s in trouble, and you’renot The Chemical Police. Human psychology tells us that people hate being toldwhat to do - especially from someone who saw you sprain your ankle by jumpingoff the roof with an umbrella. You’re no better than they are and if you comeacross high and mighty, your Christmas presents might end up at Goodwill.

PresentationEnergy is contagious. If you’re excited and fascinated about something, otherswill be too. If you broach the subject with an attitude of, “I hate talking about thisas much as you do…” They’ll associate natural products with something negativeand necessary, like a kid eating their vegetables. Zero fun. Zero marshmallows inthe cocoa for you.

Pros and ConsAcknowledge the downsides. Some products are more convenient because theycontain chemicals – they may be more economical or require less effort. Betransparent about the pros and cons of a product, and then share the reason youbelieve going natural is totally worth it. People are much more open to hearingfrom someone who has considered all angles.

Don’t Take Away, Add ToWe can’t change people, we can only give them tools to inspire change. If yourmother LOVES her fragrance (aka chemical) candles, don’t tell her to throw themout. Many people will hold onto something they don’t need just becausesomeone is trying to take it away. Instead, buy her an all-natural essential oilcandle and let her experience the difference. Show is better than tell and bydoing so, she gets to decide what she likes. Don’t be surprised if you hear, “Hey!This candle is better than the ones I have - wonder why?” That’s when you sendher this blog post.

Hybrid GiftsGive your family hybrid gifts - things they actually want that are also natural.

Truly’s Organic Lip Balm is a great gift for men and women of all ages. Letthem know that this balm is extra silky because of the organic sunfloweroil, coconut oil, and moisture-retaining beeswax. When people fall in lovewith a product they become all ears to learn why their opinion is right.

Also try our mineral tinted lip balm to replace toxic lipstick. When therecipient raves about its subtle tint and smooth application, you can sneakin that many lipsticks feel differently because they contain heavy metals –that are linked to all kinds of harmful effects (more on that here).

Who doesn’t like fancy soap? Truly’s retro-packaged organic bar soapswill make anyone look forward to a bath. They’ll fall in love with its healingand soothing herbs, making the chemical alternatives a thing of the past.

Research

Continue to educate yourself on natural products so you’re confident sharingknowledge with others. This way, when your family and friends finally ask aquestion about an ingredient, you’ll have an answer. It’s easy to say, “well, I can’tremember exactly but I know it’s bad for you.” If you really want to be helpful, gothe extra mile by looking up the answer and learn together!

It’s that time of year again: the leaves are falling, the world becomes pumpkin- spiced, and our skin starts begging for something extra. As you’re knocked over by an overwhelming amount of seasonal beauty gunk, it’s an important time to step back and remember what nature has already provided.

Natural products won’t only keep the chemicals away, they’ll make sure your skin stays extra hydrated – which is why you’ll find many of these ingredients in our products. To prove that Mother Nature has our back, here are 5 ingredients to get Thanksgiving-level grateful for!

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is in the spotlight for good reason. Straight from the meat and/or kernel of mature coconuts, this ingredient is edible, inexpensive, and oh so silky smooth. The perfect hydrator for hair or skin, coconut oil penetrates deeply providing top-notch moisture without leaving your skin or hair feeling oily. Its antioxidant properties help the skin keep its youthful appearance and the icing on the cake is that subtle scent of tropical fruit. It’s also a key player in our natural deodorant.

2. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat extract derived from cocoa beans. Not only is it used to make another item we’re grateful for - CHOCOLATE! - it’s a fabulous addition in anything from food to natural ointments. Cocoa butter contains antioxidants that provide a protective barrier from harsh weather elements - even offering mild sun protection. These antioxidants combined with fatty acids also make it a stellar remedy for soothing inflammation.

3. Aloe Vera

There’s a reason your grandmother had this plant around and why you should absolutely follow in her footsteps. Aloe Vera requires zero work - if you have the plant, you have the goods. Its gel has been said to have anti-inflammatory properties that are perfect for your child’s sunburn. Aloe gel provides a protective barrier that locks in moisture, so the skin stays extra hydrated. Proven to have antimicrobial efficacy, it’s helpful for killing acne- causing bacteria and can gently improve the appearance of acne scars.

4. Beeswax

The product of honest bee labor, beeswax comes straight from a bee’s glands and is used to protect its honeycomb. It’s all natural and packed with vitamin A, which promotes the turnover of skin cells. Beeswax is commonly used as a thickening agent for many creams (like our deodorant) and since it attracts moisture, it provides next-level skin hydration. Much like this substance protects a bee’s home, it also forms a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture. But don’t worry, it doesn’t clog pores, making this an A+ ingredient.

5. Castor Oil

Derived from the ricinus communist plant, castor oil is a key ingredient in our lip balm because it’s soft and hydrating but packs a punch. Penetrating deep into the skin, caster oil fights bacteria overgrowth like a villain, making this a great choice for acne prone skin and clogged pores. This ingredient kicks bacteria’s butt while soothing irritated or infected skin – resulting in the perfect blend of sugar and spice this season.

Now that you know what ingredients to stock up on, it’s important to know what ingredients to dismiss. Here are 5 spooky skincare ingredients to avoid at all costs.

It’s hard enough pronouncing skincare ingredients, let alone understanding what they all mean. But in the Wild Wild West of chemical products it’s worth the effort to learn what we’re putting on our skin, not to mention our children’s.

Today we’ll focus on common beauty ingredients, give you the skinny on what they’re used for, and talk about the hazards that make us cringe. So in the spirit of Halloween, here are five skincare products that are more frightening than Stephen King’s It, and why on earth to avoid them!

Aluminum

Aluminum is commonly found in deodorant and antiperspirant. While deodorant is considered a scent cover up and antiperspirant stops sweat in its tracks – both products can contain this ingredient. The problem? Too many studies are giving aluminum bad press, causing consumers to reach for the natural stuff.

Eyebrows rose as studies discovered aluminum in malignant breast tissue. While the Breast Cancer Foundation claims aluminum has not been linked to cancer, many health professionals warn against it. According to Wikipedia, aluminum deodorant can be harmful to people with kidney disease and the FDA suggests consulting a doctor before use.That’s right, just for antiperspirant.

Also be on the lookout for aluminum in makeup – it’s often used as a coloring and thickening agent. This ingredient is not only worth mentioning, we wrote a whole blog on the topic.

Parabens

Parabens are another suspicious ingredient that also falls under the alias of methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben.

It’s likely you come in contact with this low-cost preservative daily. Used to kill bacteria and prevent mold growth, they’re commonly found in skincare products, hair care, toothpastes, deodorants, makeup and even our food. They’re also known to hide in fragrances (more on this in a moment).

To confuse you further, skin experts agree this ingredient is dangerous if it enters the blood stream, but they claim it can’t penetrate deep enough into the skin’s layers to get there. The good news is, more and more paraben-free products are hitting the shelves so you can make an educated, conscious choice.

Fragrance

That perfume that makes you feel mysterious is a bigger mystery in itself. The word fragrance is not one ingredient - it’s a word that represents a blend of ingredients. Thanks to Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 701.3(a)) fragrance is considered to be a trade secret so the ingredients aren’t required to be listed. According to the EWG, “The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label.”

Unfortunately, we have to make assumptions about what’s in these good smelling bottles, and if we’re willing to take a risk. Fragrance is best replaced with essential oils – for anything you inhale or put on your skin (so… everything). Truly’s offers some deliciously scented essential oil candles, and also uses essential oils in deodorant, soaps, and lip balm . Want more information on the topic? You guessed it. We wrote a blog about that one too.

But it doesn’t stop at sunscreen, oxybenzone is also used in nail polish, hair spray, hair dyes, perfumes (told ya so) shampoos and plastics. And in 2014 Benzophenones was named Allergen of the Year. Um… Congratulations?

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is a powerful chemical used for everything from acne peels and hair color to adhesives and tire production. While we put it on our faces, it’s a byproduct of coal manufacturing.

This product is restricted in Japan, the EU has set limitations with warning labels, and the US regulates exposure in certain manufacturing environments (non beauty related) yet we’re still putting it in our hair and on our skin. No surprise that the EWG has ranked this puppy a high chemical hazard.

These ingredients can be heated topics and controversial among experts, so there’s no doubt the rest of us are left feeling unsure of what to buy. So because there’s no black and white and we’re left with an overwhelming amount of grey, it’s up to us to stay on top of the most recent developments and become aware of the risks involved. That’ll make things a lot less scary this Halloween.

For many Americans, it seems unthinkable to live in a world without deodorant. Surprisingly, deodorant has been around for a relatively short time. In 1888, EdnaMurphey invented the first known deodorant in Pennsylvania. While advertised toeliminate odor, deodorant was used to cover up the smell of bacteria. Antiperspirant- a sweat stopper – was also created in the U.S. and hit shelves in 1941. From there itspread like wildfire throughout America, quickly becoming the social norm.

Brazil is Gaining

While most cultures generally bathe and strive to smell pleasant, not everyone looksto deodorant as the number one answer. As of 2015, Americans were the biggestdeodorant consumer at three billion in sales, with a steady incline. But EmmanuelleMoeglin, Global Fragrance and Colour Cosmetics Analyst at Mintel, predicts achange. In an interview with Cosmetics Business he suggested that Brazil – thenumber two consumer in 2015 - will catch up to America. Their hot climate andhabits of reapplying deodorant throughout the day are giving the U.S. a run for ourmoney.

Stereotypes and the Middle East

Eastern cultures experience heavy stereotypes about their daily hygiene and use ofdeodorant. In this globally connected world, people in every country use deodorant.Some citizens choose to pass on the stick, but deodorant is not a foreign concept. Forevery comment online that says, “Why would I cover up my natural scent? I don’twear deodorant.” There are five comments from their neighbors stating that theirentire family wears deodorant daily.

India’s Growth

Nivea took a comedic approach with their marketing campaign in India last year.Targeting young men, their commercial made fun of competing deodorants thatdon’t work and suggested “we can tell” when you’re just covering up thesmell.

Sunil Gadgil, Marketing Director for Nivea India, had this to say in an interviewwith Best Media Info:

“The Indian consumers’ attitude towards body odour is ‘not my problem’. Theaim of this campaign is to create relevance of body odour for consumerswithout triggering their defence mechanism of ‘Not for me’…”

Meanwhile, Euromonitor International suggests that deodorant sales in Indiahave nearly tripled between 2011 and 2016. Younger generations areswitching over to deodorant as opposed to the more expensive perfumes andoils that have been used for centuries.

The Magic Gene

In this age of information and awareness, people are not only asking, “is mydeodorant safe?”, they’re asking if they need it.

A fascinating study by the University of Bristol revealed a rare gene called ABCC11.Found in a lucky 2% of the world’s population, this gene prevents underarms fromproducing an offensive smell. For those who hate wearing deodorant, it’s likewinning the lottery.

This gene is commonly found with East Asians (80–95%) but is extremelyuncommon everywhere else, with (0-3%) found in White Americans. EnjoyWikipedia’s chart that shows where you fall in this odd gene pool.Unless you’re one of the lucky few, deodorant is a good friend, if not a soul mate.Keep things under control with Truly’s Natural Deodorant (a natural deodorant thatworks!) and feel good about what you’re putting on your body, wherever in theworld you are.

Ever felt like an old SURE deodorant commercial, stealing a sniff of your underarm? Going au naturale isn’t as simple as it sounds. Deodorant choices can feel like aneither-or situation.

EITHER use natural deodorant and have no friends because you smell.OR stay fresh with a chemical, aluminum-packed deodorant that might cause cancer.

It’s frustrating. We use deodorant/antiperspirant daily and need something thatworks, why are these crazy hippies trying to take away the good stuff?Unfortunately, there’s more to it than that. Let’s have a real conversation aboutaluminum deodorant. P.S. If you’re reading this, you are officially an adult.

Will natural deodorant make me stink?

Maybe.

The natural deodorant business is booming (finally!) but most brands just don’twork. They can be sticky, messy, and a poor attempt at mixing essential oils to maskodor - and we all know how that turns out…

Yes. There’s no proof that it causes cancer but there’s a lot of eyebrow-raisingstudies. It’s also alarming to see on Wikipedia that the Food and DrugAdministration classifies antiperspirants as an over-the- counter drug in the U.S.

Wikipedia also had this to say:

“The FDA has "acknowledge[d] that small amounts of aluminum can be absorbedfrom the gastrointestinal tract and through the skin.&quot;, leading to a warning &quot;thatpeople with kidney disease may not be aware that the daily use of antiperspirantdrug products containing aluminum may put them at a higher risk because ofexposure to aluminum in the product."; The agency warns people with kidneydysfunction to consult a doctor before using antiperspirants containing aluminum.”

The American Cancer Society’s website still claims, “No clear link has been madebetween antiperspirants containing aluminum and breast cancer.”

“Researchers determined that the mean level of aluminum in nipple aspirate fluid wassignificantly higher in breast cancer-affected women compared to healthy women,which may suggest a role for raised levels of aluminum as a biomarker foridentification of women at higher risk of developing breast cancer.”Dr. Mercola

“Scientists from the University of Geneva tested aluminum salts - an ingredient inantiperspirants previously linked with cancer - on mice. They found that prolongedexposure to the substance increased tumour growth in mouse breast tissue, whichcould then cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body.” Huff Post

If aluminum were potentially dangerous, wouldn’t companies take it out?

[Cue laugh track] Honey child, this is a 70 billion dollar industry with a steadyincline. Change will only happen when buyers demand it. Remember the whole GMOthing? It’s naive to believe companies didn’t consider their food was geneticallymodified. And what did most businesses do about it? Nothing. The public not onlyhad to ask for safer food, they put their money where their mouth was and spenttheir dollar on safer products. Now check out all the Non-GMO foods available.

To wrap things up

We must continue to think for ourselves, the cigarette industry proved that decadesago. Research and make choices from an educated place – we can’t rely on someoneelse to do it for us. And you thought this was just about deodorant…

Buying sun protection certainly isn’t what it used to be. There are a slew of studieson the risks of chemical sunscreen and while information is empowering, it can alsobecome overwhelming.

Before you throw your hands up and decide to never leave the house again, here areanswers to common questions about natural vs. chemical sunscreen - so you canmove out of the pharmacy and onto the beach where it’s a lot more fun!

Do natural and chemical sunscreens work the same way?

Not at all. Chemical sunscreen contains a variety of chemical filters that areabsorbed by the skin. While convenient and less sticky than many naturalsunscreens, our skin transfers those chemicals into the blood stream. Studies havelinked chemical sunscreen absorption with hormonal and estrogen imbalance.Here’s what The Breast Cancer Organization had to say:

“Many of these chemicals are considered hormone disruptors. Hormone disruptorscan affect how estrogen and other hormones act in the body, by blocking them ormimicking them, which throws off the body's hormonal balance.” Full Article

Natural sunscreen sits on top of the skin, unabsorbed, creating a shield.Ingredients are simply zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide - many are a combinationof the two.

Yes- ish. Although it’s easily avoidable. Zinc oxide is a sun protection hero but cancause you to look like a Game of Thrones “White Walker.” So if that's a concern, find anatural sunscreen with a low percentage of zinc.

Is sunscreen spray more harmful?

Yes. Not only do spray sunscreens have more chemicals, it’s hard not to inhale thatmist - whether you’re spraying it or not. If you can smell it - however faint - particlesare most certainly entering your body. Consumer Reports advises to not use spraysunscreen on children. It’s terrible for allergies and can harm their underdevelopedlungs. Ever heard of second hand sunscreen?

Spray sunscreens are also incredibly flammable. You never know when you could beexposed to a flame at a BBQ or from a cigarette. The risk is simply not worth it, nomatter what your age.

Hopefully this gives you a better grasp of why going natural is a smart move. Someinformation out there is fact, some is speculation, and some just feels like commonsense. After considering the potential risks involved, many are deciding it’s simplynot worth it. Gamble in Vegas, not with your health.

Life imitating art imitating life. That best describes the current state of the fragrance scene. Want something to smell like lavender? Let’s use 50-200 chemicals andcreate a lavender-like scent! Meanwhile lavender sits in a corner, mouth agape. Asbad as drinking orange soda to get your fruit intake, artificial fragrances mean wellbut can have harmful effects. They’re in all the places you suspect and many placesyou don’t.

Where They Loom

Perfumes, cleaners, candles, skincare products, soaps, deodorants, laundrydetergent, the list goes on. There are enough chemicals lurking in the air to irritateeven the slightest of allergies. The word “fragrance” sounds sophisticated but it’sreally a fancy word for chemical. To quote Maria Rodale’s blog for HUFFPOST:“Environmental Working Group (EWG) researchers found more than 75 percent ofproducts listing the ingredient “fragrance” contained phthalates (THAL-ates) whichhave been shown to disrupt hormone activity, reduce sperm counts, and causereproductive malformation, and have been linked to liver and breast cancer,diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, studies by Dr. Philip J. Landrigan of the MountSinai Children’s Environmental Health Center, link fetal exposure with autism,ADHD, and neurological disorders.”So… Yeah.

The Good News

There are natural alternatives at your fingertips. Because consumers have becomemore educated on the subject, many companies have followed suit by offeringchemical-free products. It’s not only important to purchase natural products for thesafety of you and your family, but to support this movement by showing the worldthat we’re reading labels and require safe and affordable products.Interesting Tidbit: “30.5% reported scented products worn by others are irritating.”(Sandi Gauvin at Alive.com) So many businesses have gone scent-free. In 2000Halifax, Nova Scotia jumped in headfirst and declared their CITY fragrance-free.

The Essentials

Essential Oils are all the rage but this isn’t a fad. Called essential for good reason,these oils are not only 100% natural (caveat below) they have healing properties, aheavenly scent, and are affordable.

What’s an essential oil? Simply put, it’s oil extracted from a plant. There arenumerous faux oils out there so be privy to words like “fragrance.” And if it doesn’tspecify that it’s an essential oil, that cute little bottle won’t make it natural. Knock-offs contain essential oils mixed with chemicals, defeating the whole purpose.Essential oils can be used 3 basic ways:1. Inhalation - inhaling them directly, with a diffuser, or vapor.2. Topically - placing them on the skin. *Research the individual oil. Some aren’tmeant for sensitive skin and most should be diluted.3. Internal consumption - ingesting the oil. Warning: Some are dangerous takenthis way. You’ll want to speak with a doctor about this one.

Chemical Cleanse – How To Get Started

It might be time for a little chemical cleaning. Look at what’s in your home. Readlabels, research ingredients, then visit the EWG website and brace yourself. A lot ofproducts with strong reputations flunked the environmental test.After you’ve tossed the bad stuff, enjoy hunting for responsible and effectiveproducts that are safe for you and your family. For example, replace “fragrancecandles” with our Coconut Wax Essential Oil Candles. They contain essential oilsthat support anything from relaxation to energy. And because essential oils arenaturally potent, you don’t even need to light the wick to enjoy its alluring scent.Have a natural deodorant with “fragrance?” Sorry. It’s not natural. Try ouraluminum-free deodorant at Truly’s Natural Deodorant made with only organiccoconut oil, organic powdered sugar, baking soda, and beeswax. Enjoy it unscentedor in our Creamsicle scent using essential oils that will whisk you into summer.Seeking a safe deodorant for your kids? Read our blog on Deodorant for Kids andsee how we’re making mommies happy everywhere!

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about the health benefits of coconut oil, one of only four ingredients in Truly’s Natural Deodorant.

Two of the key components of coconut oil are lauric acid and caprylic acid. Lauric acid actually comprises about fifty percent of coconut oil. Lauric acid is uniquely beneficial as it contains the highest concentration of MCFA fatty acids. This acid is one of the healthiest saturated fats because the body is able to easily absorb it. The body then converts the fatty acid into monolaurin, which is used to prevent and treat colds, the flu, swine flu, herpes, shingles, chronic fatigue syndrome, and to boost the immune system.1

Monolaurin functions as an antivirus that targets enveloped viruses (viruses encased in a protective layer of lipids and phospholipids). It kills the virus by dissolving the protective lipids surrounding it. One study showed that monolaurin markedly reduced the viral count on patients with HIV, herpes, measles, and vesicular stomatitis, among other viruses.2

Coconut oil also helps to protect the body from microbes like fungus, bacteria, yeast, and protozoans. One 2007 study found that concentrated coconut oil effectively treated drug resistant fungal infections.3 Another study found that the monolaurin from from coconut oil was also the most potent monoglyceride defense against pylori bacteria.4

As if all this weren’t enough, a 2008 study showed that a diet high in medium-chain fatty acids like coconut oil significantly reduced the growth of cancer tumors in mice.5 It also aids in the absorption of nutrients for sick children and adults, helping them maintain a healthy weight.6 Luckily, there’s also no need to worry about coconut oil adding to your waistline. The protein in coconut oil is a source of all natural, direct energy and actually a possible deterrent to weight gain.7

Truly’s Natural Deodorant is loaded with coconut oil to keep your skin smooth and your immune system strong. Our natural deodorant works to keep to keep you and your kids healthy, strong, and smelling great.

3 "In Vitro Antimicrobial Properties of Coconut Oil on Candida Species in Ibadan, Nigeria." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 June 2007. Web. 9 June 2015.

4 "Antibacterial Actions of Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides against Helicobacter Pylori." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 May 2003. Web. 9 June 2015.

5 "Growth of Human Gastric Cancer Cells in Nude Mice Is Delayed by a Ketogenic Diet Supplemented with Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Medium-chain Triglycerides." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Apr. 2008. Web. 9 June 2015.

In 2013, the International Journal of Dermatology published a study in which virgin coconut oil was used to treat atopic dermatitis. The study showed that the virgin coconut oil actual improved the skin barrier function in patients.1

Coconut oil is primarily composed of saturated fats, capric/caprylic/lauric acid, vitamin-E, and proteins. The saturated fats, triglycerides, keep skin silky smooth. Whether ingested or applied topically, the saturated fat in coconut oil eliminates moisture loss through the skin. Capric, caprylic, and lauric acids all contain antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. They also help to boost energy levels. Vitamin-E is essential for healthy, strong skin. The proteins in coconut oil enhance skin on a cellular level and enable tissue to heal faster and scar less. All of these properties combine to give your skin a nourished, wrinkle-free glow. And unlike most oils, coconut oil lingers without becoming rancid.2

In addition hydrating skin, coconut oil also protects skin from microbial infections and delays visible marks of aging. The steady streams of proteins help repair skin damage and keep it soft and smooth. It is a natural treatment for underarms that have become dark and discolored through alcohol-based deodorants and antiperspirants. Coconut oil also makes great lip balm and makeup remover.

From chapped lips to cracked heels, coconut oil smooths, repairs, and moisturizes skin.Truly’s Natural Deodorant uses coconut oil to keep skin healthy while eliminating odor. It is a natural, aluminum-free deodorant for both kids and adults that keeps skin smooth, healthy, and odor-free.

The traditional answer to this question has been that children will start to experience body odor when they hit puberty and their bodies start to experience hormonal changes. In fact, according to our pediatrician, body odor in young children can be a warning sign of early onset puberty which is a medical condition requiring treatment. However he also assured us that unless other signs of early puberty are present, a child’s body odor is usually nothing to be worried about. Do see your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

From my personal experience and from that of friends and family, it does seem to be the case that children are experiencing body odor at earlier and earlier ages. I know of no medical research being done on the subject, so speculation as to the cause is purely conjecture.We do know our environment is full of endocrine disrupting chemicals and man-made environmental estrogens found in pesticides,industrial chemicals, household products, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. We also know that our food is becoming less and less natural, more refined and increasingly adulterated with preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and cheap non-food fillers and additives. These factors could very well contribute to earlier body odor in children.

Interestingly on a recent trip to China, we discovered that not everyone in China has body odor, and if you do have it, it is considered a “symptom” and not a normal occurrence. We also learned that some ethnic groups have more of an issue with it than others. It is a very embarrassing topic to the older generation, most of whom do not experience body odor. However the younger generation is more open to talking about the issue because body odor is increasingly more common among their peers. We were also told that some people are so shy about the “symptom” that they are too embarrassed to purchase deodorant or antiperspirant in the store. We believe that the same causes, ie the westernization of the traditional Chinese diet and increase in environmental toxins, are to blame in the increasing occurrence of body odor in the Chinese population.